CNN Mainsail – March 2013

Aussie-born and Weymouth based Paul Larsen launched his Sailrocket project in 2002 with the aim of setting a new outright world speed record, the target then of 46.52 knots had stood for nearly ten years.

Sailrocket did not initially succeed in surpassing the record, and during the past decade Paul has been determined to refine his unique craft while the windsurfers and kiteboarders discovered the significance of flat shallow water.

The record set by American kiteboarder Rob Douglas of 55.65 knots had stood since 2010. The outright record, which is based on a 500 meter course, is the holy grail of speed sailing, and is now owned by Larsen.